The United Nations General Assembly on Monday approved an 11-page resolution on the situation in Afghanistan, condemning what it called the Taliban’s “grave, worsening, widespread and systematic oppression” of women and girls. The non-binding text, backed by 116 of the 193 member states, also demands that Afghanistan not be used as a safe haven for terrorist groups and urges the de-facto authorities to form an inclusive government. Only the United States and Israel voted against the measure, while 12 countries—including Russia, China, India and Iran—abstained. Germany, Ireland and Sweden drafted the resolution, which also stresses the need for economic recovery and asks donors to step up funding for a US$2.4 billion humanitarian appeal that is just 22 percent financed. U.S. deputy ambassador Jonathan Shrier said the resolution “rewards the Taliban’s failure with more engagement and more resources,” arguing that Kabul’s rulers have shown no willingness to align their policies with international expectations. Explaining New Delhi’s abstention, Indian envoy Parvathaneni Harish cited continuing terrorist sanctuaries in Afghanistan and called for a more balanced mix of incentives and pressure. In Kabul, the Taliban Foreign Ministry rejected the decision, saying the text was drafted without its input and reflected the agenda of “select member states.” Nonetheless, it said it would examine the document’s provisions “in accordance with Islamic principles and national interests.” The vote comes days after Moscow formally recognised the Taliban government and as Afghanistan’s humanitarian crisis deepens, with UN agencies warning that funding shortfalls threaten life-saving assistance for millions of Afghans.